A video circulating on social media sparked tensions at Dhaka University around midnight. Led by a Ducsu general secretary, a group of students along with activists from Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Dal staged demonstrations late Saturday night.
The video shows that the incident took place on the road beside Suhrawardy Udyan, next to the DU’s TSC. The Dhaka University metro station signboard is clearly visible in the background.
In the video, Saeed Hasan Sad, a member of Chhatra Dal from Bijoy Ekattor Hall, is seen striking a mobile shop eight times with a hammer in an attempt to break it. Afterwards, Abid Abdullah is seen trying to contact someone over the phone. At one stage, Sad hands the hammer to a man in a black shirt, who then strikes the shop’s wheels and body several times.
Dhaka University Central Students Centre (Ducsu) leaders brought allegation of extortion against Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Dal leaders based on the video. The accused leaders, however, claimed that although the video went viral Saturday night, the incident actually took place on 27 December last year.
They released another video from the same night, saying they were present to assist Dhaka University’s proctorial team in an eviction drive. That footage shows a proctorial team member dismantling a shop, with the accused leaders standing nearby.
Saeed said that he along with his friend Abid Abdullah ran a fried food stall near Hakim Chattar beside the central library, which was removed during an eviction drive. The shopkeeper was taken away and beaten multiple times, he added.
“After our shop was removed on 27 December, we went to see why another fried food stall was still operating near the TSC. We informed the proctorial team and assisted them. We have no involvement in extortion,” Saeed added.
On the other hand, Ducsu member Sarvamitra Chakma said the shop was demolished only after extortion allegations were received.
Meanwhile, under the leadership of Ducsu Literature and Culture Secretary Mosaddeq Ibn Ali Mohammad, a group of students staged a protest at 1am on Sunday.
During the protest, Mosaddeq said, “Today’s exposed extortion is just a small example. Thousands of such cases happen daily. These extortionists operate at TSC, build makeshift markets in front of the central library, extort at Nilkhet, and set up shops under the metro station.”
Calling for action against the Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shakti activists, Mosaddeq warned, “If you fail to take organisational measures, we will consider the entire Chhatra Dal complicit, including party chief Tarique Rahman.”
Ducsu Social Welfare Secretary Jubair Bin Nessary (AB Jubair) announced a press conference with evidence on Sunday noon in front of the Ducsu building.
Immediately after the Ducsu gathering ended, Chhatra Shakti organised a protest procession, joined by Chhatra Dal hall leaders and activists.
During the demonstration, Ferdous Aiyam, a student of Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall (2021–22 session), said, “Cigarettes are banned in university halls, yet Ducsu leaders distribute them at concerts through sponsors. We are not here to shelter anyone. Those accused should face investigation and action.”
He questioned, “If hundreds of hawkers can run businesses on campus, why should students’ stalls be demolished?” He also demanded a safe, harassment-free environment for student entrepreneurs.
Shahidullah Hall member Riad Us Salehin said, “You (Sarvamitra) have given Dhaka University a reputation that its students now act like mobs. Whatever you do, students are seen as doing the same, since you claim to represent them. Ironically, those who speak against this are branded as extortionists.”
Naimur Rahman, a student of the Arabic department, said, “Misuse of the Ducsu banner has allowed mobsters to rise, engaging in moral policing and other misconduct across campus. Sarvamitra Chakma is among them.”
Asked about the matter, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told Times of Bangladesh he was not fully aware of the details. No written complaint had yet been submitted to the proctorial body. “If complaints are filed, the matter will be investigated,” he said.
On whether proctorial members were involved in dismantling the shop, he added, “The related video will be reviewed.”
In response to Ducsu’s press conference, DU unit of Chhatra Dal announced it will submit a memorandum of protest at the proctor’s office at 10am on Sunday. Later at 2pm, they planned a press conference titled “Legal action and protest against Sarvamitra Chakma’s false extortion allegations and propaganda.”
